I became a girl group idol for my sister.

"Miyamoto-san is very talented. Although I have acted in TV dramas a few times, I still feel like a novice when facing Miyamoto-san. On the contrary, Miyamoto-san, who is acting in a movie for the first time, is more like a professional actor."

Momohara Miko, who was standing to the side, also started talking with a smile.

"You could say that it was Miyamoto-san's performance that put pressure on me, which made me willing to spend more energy learning how to perform. I am able to reach my current level entirely because of Miyamoto-san!"

"So, because of Miyamoto-san, the others present felt pressured?" the reporter asked immediately, sounding quite provocative.

If she didn't answer this question well, it might cause some unpleasant topics. But to her surprise, Momohara Miko just smiled and didn't seem nervous at all.

"Yes, I did feel nervous. After all, I used to be someone who wasn't very hardworking, and I would just read the lines but not memorize them. But watching Miyamoto-san frantically memorizing lines and trying to understand the meaning of each one, as if he were really transforming into the character he was playing, I felt the pressure just watching. Under this pressure, I couldn't help but work hard too!"

This was a brilliant answer, effectively shutting down the reporter's attempt to stir up trouble.

“There are many talented people, but those who are both talented and willing to work hard are much fewer. I truly admire Miyamoto-san for his hard work and excellent acting skills. I believe that Miyamoto-san's hard work will remain deeply etched in my mind and inspire me in my future acting career.”

"Thank you for your answer, Momohara-san." The reporter said and sat down, while many people around him were taking notes.

Miyamoto secretly breathed a sigh of relief and glanced at Momohara Miko, only to see her smile slightly and make a victory gesture.

“In this way, your hard-working image will be even more etched in the minds of moviegoers.” Yamazaki Ryosuke whispered to Miyamoto Sei, “When you were an idol, you were already famous for working so hard that you would faint from a fever, so this is definitely a good thing for you.”

"I... I didn't really try that hard... I just tried my best." Miyamoto muttered to himself, which earned him eye rolls from Yamazaki Ryosuke and Momohara Miko.

"Have some self-awareness, will you? What you call ordinary effort? If most people worked that hard, they'd probably have mental problems in no time," Yamazaki Ryosuke said.

“Yes, I’ve looked into everything about Miyamoto-san. You’re so busy. Your workload is comparable to that of famous idols who have a lot of work. And almost all of this is extra training that you’ve added for yourself…” Momohara Miko also said, “I’m thinking how good Miyamoto-san’s body is. He can actually withstand such high-intensity training.”

Thank you, great Heavenly Demon, for preventing my body from becoming pineapple-like!

Miyamoto thought to himself silently, but didn't explain it aloud.

He has now realized his problem from their conversation; his training intensity seems to be slightly higher than that of the average person.

Fortunately, when he designed the training for Nanase Touka, he used the same intensity as when he trained with his classmates during his graduate school days, so there were no problems.

Thinking of this, he breathed a slight sigh of relief.

At the same time, he also became a little curious. She should be training with Matsuda Jurina and the others at the theater right now. He wondered how Nanase Touka's training was going.

"I'd like to ask, this movie, 'The Demon Killer,' is said to be a sword-fighting film. Did you have a stunt double during filming, Mr. Miyamoto?" a reporter asked.

"We've already mentioned this in our promotional materials. There were no stunt doubles; all the action scenes were done by Miyamoto himself," Director Ryosuke Yamazaki replied directly. "But since you asked, let me elaborate a bit more."

He cleared his throat before continuing, "Actually, we initially planned to use stand-ins because if an actor has a problem that requires treatment, it will inevitably extend the filming period. That's the most important role of a stand-in."

"However, Miyamoto-san expressed her opinion on using a stunt double. Since the filming needs to be completed as soon as possible, it would be best to use professionals. Miyamoto-san herself is a professional in the use of swords, including various stunts. I have to admire her in this regard. The precision of her movements is comparable to that of many actors who specialize in stunts."

Ryosuke Yamazaki said with admiration, "Moreover, almost all of these shoots were done in one take, which saved our filming crew a lot of time and film, preventing my wallet from crying out in pain."

This statement surprised many people. Clearly, judging from Yamazaki Ryosuke's expression, he was genuinely satisfied with Miyamoto Nana's performance. The expressions of the other people in the audience were also the same, indicating that they all highly approved of Miyamoto Nana's special skills.

This also suggests that there was most likely no stunt double. How could an active idol perform such difficult stunts without a stunt double during their first real movie shoot? Isn't that a bit too exaggerated? Are idols these days really this unbelievable?

After a few more questions, the press conference finally ended. Miyamoto Sei finally breathed a sigh of relief. Backstage, he took a sip of water, checked the time, and realized he could rest for a little while longer.

"It seems Miyamoto-san is leaving soon." Momohara Miko's voice came from behind. Miyamoto turned around and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, I have a performance in Nagoya, so I have to go there."

"Yes, because it's an afternoon theater performance," Momohara Miko said. "After all, we can't let the fans down!"

Miyamoto was somewhat surprised: "Eh? Momohara-san also watches idols?"

"Of course I've watched it. Ever since I met Miyamoto-san last time, I've started watching idol performances, which is how I learned that Miyamoto-san is now a national figure."

At this point, she solemnly said, "Congratulations on being ranked sixteenth in the general election."

"Thank you!" Miyamoto smiled. Although the congratulations came late, they were sincere and genuine.

"What I said on stage just now was all true. Because of Miyamoto-san, I was able to truly start working hard and hone my acting skills," Momohara Miko suddenly said, her smile faint and serene. "If we hadn't met in that movie, I think I might have wasted a lot of time and ended up regretting it..."

“No, even without me, I believe that Momohara-san will awaken on her own and then study hard.” Miyamoto said, “After all, people who want to change themselves must first learn to listen to advice. Even without me, Momohara-san would get advice to study hard from other places, or from other people, or perhaps from a book, or even a movie.”

"Maybe," said Momohara Miko, then waved her hand. "Then see you next time. I hope there will be opportunities to work together again. But with Miyamoto-san's talent, I believe we will definitely see you in more TV dramas and movies in the future."

"I also believe that Momohara-san will appear in various TV dramas and movies. Goodbye!"

After saying goodbye to the other person and then to Yamazaki Ryosuke, Miyamoto Sei walked out, put on sunglasses, and then put on a jacket so that he wouldn't be recognized, and quietly headed towards the station.

The next two-hour drive will take us back to Nagoya.

He hadn't gone far when a black sedan pulled up beside him, and the moment the door opened, he was pulled inside.

"what are you doing?!"

Miyamoto almost fell directly onto someone, or rather, onto that person's thigh, whose soft thigh cushioned his fall perfectly.

He stood up as he spoke, and then he saw a familiar face.

It was Higashi Hisashi Ogiko.

Miyamoto looked at her with some confusion, but Higashikuze Ogiko simply pointed to the side and said calmly, "Sit down."

Upon seeing that it was Higashikuse Ogiko, Miyamoto stopped struggling and obediently got up and sat down to the side. Higashikuse Ogiko immediately closed the car door, and the car started moving.

"Is this where you are going?"

"At the station, I'll see you off on your way."

Despite the incredibly simple answer, Miyamoto Sei was puzzled: "Does Ogiko-senpai have something to ask me?"

"Is today your new partner's debut?" Higashikuze Ogiko asked.

Miyamoto immediately realized that the other person was referring to Nanase Fuyuka.

"Yes, it is indeed today."

"Tempe P told me that she has never been on stage before, so she asked me to remind you that even if things seem fine normally, the final stage is the most difficult and helpless time."

Higashikuze Ogiko spoke calmly, simply looking out the window at the fleeting scenery through her sunglasses, as if she were merely a messenger.

"Such a person is like someone who is alone in the dark. Even if there are other people around, people who are called companions, they will still be plagued by fear and unable to break free..."

Miyamoto looked at Higashikuze Ogiko and remained silent for a moment.

"Senior Ogiko, tell me the truth, did Amagai P really say this?"

"She said it; I'm just relaying it!"

Higashi Hisako Ogiko emphasized it again.

“Okay, I’ll tell Tenbei P in a bit that I received what she said,” Miyamoto Sei nodded.

Higashi Hisako was silent for a moment, then continued in her unchanging tone, "Well, you can talk to her on the bullet train later."

Miyamoto laughed when he heard this. Sure enough, it had nothing to do with Tenbei P. That guy would definitely be watching how he solved the problem from the shadows, and might even say that such setbacks were necessary and part of growing up on the path to becoming an idol.

"Congratulations on the movie! You got to be the lead actor, which is a rare opportunity for an idol," Higashi Hisashi Ogiko continued, still looking outside.

"Yes, thank you, senior. It's all thanks to my swordsmanship; otherwise, I wouldn't have gotten this role." Miyamoto said honestly, "Please continue your hard work, senior. I'll be waiting for the day you star in a movie!"

"Then you may have to wait a long time."

"How long? Five years? Ten years?"

“Two years,” Higashikuze Ogiko said firmly. “Although Amagai P told me I could try dating or something, I think I should forget about it. I will continue to work in the entertainment industry, and I will prove that even if I leave SKR, the people of SKR can make a name for themselves, instead of having to rely on SKR to get opportunities.”

"Senior Ogiko, don't worry. We juniors won't just be hothouse flowers that grow up under SKR's protection!" Miyamoto said softly. "I will also do my best to support our own community!"

"You should focus on moving forward first. SKR has many predecessors supporting you right now!" Higashikuze Ogiko laughed: "Your era will probably have to wait a while."

"Hehe, maybe next year will be my time?" Miyamoto said without any politeness.

“Alright, then I’ll wait and see!” Higashikuse Ogiko nodded, showing no sign that she thought her junior was exaggerating.

This surprised the agent driving the car. "Higashi Hisako, the former SKR's Fudo C, does she value this junior so much?"

Chapter Forty-Eight: Coercion

"Ogiko, do you really think Miyamoto Nana can carry the future of SKR?" After Miyamoto was dropped off at the station and got off the train, the manager, who was driving back, asked Higashikuze Ogiko in the back seat.

"Of course, it depends on her own decision." Higashikuze Ogiko did not give a direct affirmation: "After all, it depends on her own thoughts. However, she is strong enough to enter the selection group so quickly, and she did so despite the teacher's various difficult requests. It can be said that she has already demonstrated extremely strong abilities."

"Those demands are a bit hard to understand. I don't know what Tembe P was thinking." The manager muttered to himself, "The people before us clearly didn't experience anything like this."

“No, actually, we have experienced it, but those who experienced it were all very early members…” Higashikuze Ogiko said slowly, “Starting from the fourth generation, the only ones who truly built their own fanbase from the bottom up, and whose fans are so incredibly united, are the few she represents…”

"Start from the bottom?"

“Yes, starting from the bottom, little by little, they have built up their own group of fans. In terms of their base, these girls are more solid than the previous ones. Moreover, because they have more experience in building something from scratch, their ability to withstand pressure is definitely stronger.” Higashiku Seijiko couldn’t help but smile as she said this: “I believe that’s why the teacher made those seemingly excessive demands on her.”

"Is that so? I guess I can only be an agent for now and can't consider being a producer. Putting aside my ability to write lyrics, these are things I didn't even think of..." The agent sighed and smiled, "Then there's a high probability that we'll see Miyamoto Nana leading SKR forward in the future."

"Yes, I believe she can do it!"

……

Miyamoto was on a bullet train to Nagoya when he sent a message to Nanase Touka, but he didn't receive a reply.

He understood this, because during training, there was simply no time to check information, especially since today was her first time playing. Given Matsuda Jurina's responsible attitude, she would definitely have to undergo high-intensity training until she was sure there were no problems.

Time passed by, and when the bullet train arrived in Nagoya, it was already afternoon, with about three hours left before the performance.

However, when Miyamoto arrived at the scene, he found that the atmosphere was not very good.

"Nana-chan, you're back!" Upon seeing Miyamoto Sei return, Matsuda Jurina immediately came up to him. Although her expression relaxed for a moment, she immediately fell into worry again. "It's good that you're back. There's something I want to tell you."